Influenza (Flu) Fact Sheet

Updated August 2017

Definition

Influenza, also known as “the flu”, is a contagious infection of the nose, throat and lungs. It is caused by influenza A and B viruses. Each year in Canada about 5 to 10% of adults and 20 to 30% of children are infected with influenza, usually in the late fall and winter.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms include sudden onset of high fever, chills, sore throat, cough and muscle aches. Other common symptoms include headache, loss of appetite, fatigue and runny nose. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur, especially in children.

Diagnosis

It can be difficult to distinguish influenza from other viral or bacterial causes of respiratory illness based on symptoms alone. There are laboratory tests that can be done to diagnose flu, although it is not usually necessary for most people. Testing can be done by swiping the inside of your nose with a swab to collect the virus.

Complications

Most people will recover within a week to ten days. Some people are at greater risk of complications which include pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, asthma and diabetes. Each year in Canada, about 12,200 people are hospitalized and 3,500 die due to influenza and its complications.

Risk Factors

People at high risk for complications related to influenza include:

those with chronic health conditions, including obesity, heart and lung disease

people who live in long-term care homes and other chronic care facilities

healthy pregnant women

Indigenous peoples

children under 6 years of age

persons 65 years of age and older.

Treatment

Most healthy people who get the flu will not need medical treatment. “Antiviral drugs” are prescription drugs that may be used to lessen symptoms and prevent complications. Antiviral drugs are usually used early to treat hospitalized patients, people with severe flu illness, and people who are at higher risk for flu complications based on their age or other health conditions. For more information, see CDC’s “What You Should Know About Flu Antiviral Drugs” or speak with your healthcare provider.

Prevention

Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent influenza. Flu vaccine prevents illness, doctor’s visits and hospitalizations. Each year, there is a new vaccine to protect against the flu virus strains that are expected in the coming influenza season. Even if the strains have not changed, getting vaccinated every year is needed to maximize protection as immunity wears off within a year.

Other steps you can take to prevent influenza infection include clean your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unclean hands; cover your cough and sneeze; stay away from people who are sick; and stay home when you are sick.

Self-care

If you have the flu, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term recommends the following:

stay home and get plenty of rest

drink lots of fluids

avoid drinks with caffeine

take basic pain or fever relievers but donot give acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or Aspirin®) to children or teenagers under the age of 18

treat muscle pain using a hot water bottle or heating pad — apply heat for short periods of time

take a warm bath

gargle with a glass of warm salt water or suck on hard candy or lozenges

use spray or saline drops for a stuffy nose

avoid alcohol and tobacco

Call your doctor or health care provider if:

you don’t start to feel better after a few days

your symptoms get worse

you develop flu symptoms and are in group with risk factors for complications

You can also call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 to talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not need to provide your OHIP number and all information is confidential.

Transmission/Spread

Influenza virus is mainly spread by droplets made when people with influenza cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can then land in the mouths, noses or eyes of people who are nearby (within two metres). Less commonly, a person may also get influenza when they touch a surface or object that has influenza virus on it and then touch their own mouth, eyes or nose.

It can take from 1 to 4 days to develop influenza illness after being infected with the virus. People with influenza may infect others beginning from one day before symptoms start until about 5 days after becoming sick. Children and people with weak immune systems may spread virus in droplets for longer.

More Information

Call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 (TTY at 416-392-0658) or speak to your healthcare provider.